The actions of those behind the arson attacks on churches do not reflect the Government’s position nor that of mainstream society, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“We cannot judge the actions of one or two individuals as indicative of the party’s (Umno and Barisan Nasional) position.
“The party’s position is very clear on this,” he said after launching a Juara Rakyat programme at Bandar Bukit Sentosa here yesterday.
Najib was commenting on the actions of those who manhandled a priest and damaged a church in Pandan Indah on Friday evening despite his condemnation of the arson attacks on several churches earlier on Friday.
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| A young girl, left, smiles in thanks after she was given water by a young boy outside a mosque in central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, following Friday prayers, Jan. 8, 2010. (AP) |
“In every society, there are people who break the law. That is why there is law and punishment,” he said.
“There are people who are extremists, people who do not stand to reason and take law into their own hands. There are such people in every society.
“But what is important is that the party and mainstream society are very much on our side,” he added.
On whether the Internal Security Act would be used against the perpetrators, Najib said: “What is important is to take action and get the evidence first. There are enough laws in the country to prosecute people.”
Najib also said Cabinet ministers were meeting various groups including Christians for dialogue sessions.
“I have assigned a few ministers to talk to them,” said Najib who was asked whether the inter-religious committee would be revived after not meeting for a year.
On whether there was a need for a special Rulers meeting following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s statement on Thursday, Najib said there was no need for one at this juncture.
“We will see the developments first.
“The Rulers understand the current situation and hope that the issue will be resolved well. And, they also hope for all parties to respect one another.”
Earlier in his speech, Najib reiterated that the people should not believe those who point fingers at Umno, calling it a racist party for the attacks.
“We (Umno) totally condemn these attacks. When the police find and arrest those responsible, we will punish them,” he said.
© Copyright 2009 by Intellasia.net
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